Help Jeff Ocheltree Beat Cancer

You may not know Jeff Ocheltree, but some of the world’s most influential musicians do.

Jeff started in the music business teching for drumming legend Billy Cobham, with the original Mahavishnu Orchestra, and in the early days of Billy’s solo career. He teched forJohn Bonham in the late '70s and has been working with some of the most well-known drummers in the world ever since. Some of those players are: Lenny White, Steve Smith (with Vital Information), Mark Craney and Vinnie Colaiuta. Jeff was also the head tech for Blue Man Group Las Vegas.

But his current gig – with Cindy Blackman and Santana, has been put on hold. 

Jeff is currently battling stage 4 prostate cancer which has metastasized to other areas of his body.  His best chance for recovery is to follow a protocol which will start slowly and intensify over time.  However, the treatments have already rendered him unable to work. While his prognosis is promising and his outlook is upbeat, his financial picture is overwhelming.  The medical deductibles, out-of-pocket expenses, and living expenses, when combined, are extreme.  

Jeff is in the process of relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area to be near his children, Celina and Kalman, so they can assist him in his recovery.  He is doing everything he can to conserve funds – but he needs our help. 

We feel he has earned it…

Jeff is an unsung hero in the music business. He is a hard working, creative, and innovative person who has directly impacted many of the world-class musicians we see live on stage and hear on our favorite recordings.  

Jeff is an authority on the design and production of drums and drumsets. He is a creator and consultant on drumming products, including his Phantom Steel snare drum and a signature drum line made of recycled Paiste cymbals. His most recent creation is the TreeBronze snare drum. 

Jeff has shared his knowledge, passion and wisdom with drummers all over the world. His DVD, “Trust Your Ears: The Drum Tech Explorations of Jeff Ocheltree,” is a decades-long culmination of invaluable music industry experiences from stages and studios across the planet.  It includes a rare segment dissecting John Bonham’s kit with secrets to Bonham’s unique sound.

Beyond his status as a world-class drum tech, a gifted designer and builder, a creator of drumming products, and an innovative artist, Jeff is a dear friend to many of the artists he has worked with. On their behalf – and on behalf of Jeff’s family – we ask for your help.

And we thank you. 

Hi Folks, Please check out the first in a series of videos from industry giants reaching out to help Jeff!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pf_pUIWzvU